WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) – The city of Wausau has denied a claim from former engineer Tony Lehmann.

The city's insurance claims committee denied the claim on Wednesday and notified Lehmann's lawyer of the decision by e-mail Thursday.

The move means Lehmann has 180 days to bring a civil lawsuit against the city in circuit court if he wants, said city attorney Anne Jacobson.

Lehmann filed a notice of claim last week, asking that he get his job back or that he be paid nearly $1.9 million in damages.

The city permanently laid Lehmann off from his position November 30, citing the fact that the engineer post was cut from the 2010 city budget.